MALVERN Town manager Lee Hooper has challenged his side to be "solid at the back" when they make the short trip to Hereford Lads Club on Saturday.

The Hillsiders sit second in the Hellenic League Premier Division table after last weekend's battling 3-3 draw at Fairford Town.

Malvern came from 3-1 down to secure a late point and whilst Town are scoring plenty of goals, only two sides have conceded more goals in the top half of the table.

And boss Hooper wants his team to be more difficult to score against. starting this weekend at Hereford.

"Our aim this weekend is to be solid at the back and build from there," he said.

"If we can do that I back us to score goals and hopefully we can add to our points tally.

"Games against Lads Club are always difficult; they stick together and are a strong unit plus there is the added spice of it being a local derby.

"We need to go there and show the frame of mind that we did in the second half on Saturday where we dug in and worked hard for each other."

Saturday's game was evidence of what Hooper is saying; Malvern are never short of goals - they lead the league for goals scored with 64 - but keeping them out seems a slight problem.

They are now nine points behind league leaders Bishops Cleeve but do have two games in hand and actually go head-to-head with the table toppers in a mouthwatering clash on Boxing Day.

This weekend's game takes place at Widemarsh Common - HR4 9NA - and admissions are five pounds for adults.